Harper, Maryland County — August 5, 2025 – Residents of Maryland County are growing increasingly upset over the National Transit Authority’s (NTA) frequent and steady fare hikes on the route between Monrovia and the southeastern region.
The frustration comes after the NTA announced on its official Facebook page that the fare from Monrovia to Maryland would increase in three steps—from L$3,500 to L$4,500, and now to L$5,500. These quick changes have many commuters doubting the NTA’s promise to keep public transport affordable.
“The new fare is too expensive and doesn’t meet our needs,” said one local, pointing out that commercial taxis on the same route now charge between L$6,000 and L$6,500—just a little more than the new NTA fare. “When the NTA first set the fare at L$3,500, we felt some relief. But now, they’re no different from the taxis that have always been hard for us to afford.”
For many, these fare increases clash with President Joseph Boakai’s pledge to provide affordable and reliable transport, especially in the Southeast, where travel is already tough due to high costs and poor roads.
“What we’re seeing feels like a sign that the NTA shouldn’t even exist,” said Adam Tugbe from Pleebo. “At first, we were happy with the L$3,500 fare. Now, it’s something else. Why do people pretend to work for the government when they’re clearly doing the opposite?”
Others share similar views, accusing the NTA of putting profits before service. “This isn’t fair,” said Rachel Nagbe, another resident. “The NTA should admit they wanted praise but now they’re charging us more than we can handle. I’d rather pay L$5,000 to L$6,000 for a taxi than wait hours for NTA buses that charge more.”
The fare hikes also worry many about the wider economic effects. Local experts say rising transport costs often push up prices for everyday goods in southeastern counties, where traders depend on road transport from Monrovia. With NTA fares now close to taxi prices, families on tight budgets may struggle even more.
Currently, commercial vehicles on the Monrovia–Maryland route charge between L$6,500 and L$7,000, leaving fewer affordable options for travelers. For many residents, the NTA was a symbol of hope for cheaper travel, but these recent increases have changed that.
Community members are now urging the government to step in and make sure the NTA sticks to its original goal of affordable public transport. Many say that without action, the current fare system will shut out the very people it’s meant to help.
As one frustrated commuter said, “If the NTA isn’t different from taxis, then it’s failing the people. The government needs to act.”
